I do this and learned it from someone on here. I'm thinking of getting a small torch but I just use a starter, like you would a fireplace or gas grill w(can't remember exactly what to call it ) I make my center cones, several of them at a time and have my wires cut and the loop at the end. I start the lighter and hold the loop in the wire until it becomes red hot. Then I just stick it in the end of the cone. It attaches immediately and I can start my roses that night instead of waiting overnight for them to set. HTH!

LOL, only the sugar around the wire will caramelize, thus "hardening" the GP around with wire sufficiently enough for you to work with the fresh center. The entire bud will not harden instantly just because you stuck a hot wire in it.

Doesn't it make it easier to work with them if the cone itself is hard?

In my experience, no. It doesn't make much of a difference either way for me.

It doesn't matter to me either. Before I did this, I used to have a real problem with my cones sliding off to the side. Now that doesn't happen. I use this technique on all centers and it works really well, especially for large centers like peonies and magnolias. I still let those set overnight though because those need to harden up a little, but the cones stay on without falling over.

And Mensh is right, it smells like cotton candy and I love the sizzle.